The application requirements for the programme are:

• An exceptionally strong completed university degree qualifying for PhD studies in political science, international relations, sociology, economics, law or related disciplines
• Proof of C1-level English language skills or the equivalent
• An up-to-date CV
• A short letter of motivation (600 words maximum)
• A research proposal (5000 words maximum) with timetable of your project
• Two letters of reference from professors at universities or research institutions

To deliver a more detailed idea of different steps in the process of selection, you will find a description of our systematic and standardised evaluation process as follows:

Step 1: The selection committee accounts in a Pre-Selection whether or not a PhD proposal and application matches the BTS scope and if core faculty members are able to supervise the subject in general.

Step 2: Every single application which is successful in the first round is evaluated by two internal reviewers who assess the applications following predetermined criteria. They include the research proposal, the academic performance, the references, the general CV and the motivation letter. Scores are given on a numeric scale from 1 to 10 whereas 10 is the highest. This produces a final score in which each criteria are weight differently. All applications are put into a ranking list depending on the final score. Also, potential supervisors are identified.

Step 3: The selection committee proposes a final list of successful candidates as well as a waiting list taking into account the ranking list, the availability of potential supervisors, the availability of funding and open positions in the PhD programme.

Step 4: The decision of the selection committee is double checked with the core faculty regarding the disposability and readiness of an adequate supervisor for each selected candidate. Telephone interviews may take place in this phase.